Hirono's shift to mayor reshapes political field
| • | Analysis: A party in turmoil, or in charge? |
By Robbie Dingeman
Advertiser City Hall Writer
Lt. Gov. Mazie Hirono's decision to drop out of the governor's race to run for Honolulu mayor jolts the campaigns for two of the most powerful political posts in the state — easing the pressure in the governor's race and tightening an already crowded battle to control City Hall.
Bruce Asato • The Honolulu Advertiser
As a prominent Democrat with statewide recognition, Hirono became an instant contender in the already crowded municipal race. Hirono, 54, has served as lieutenant governor since 1994 and had hoped to continue a tradition of succeeding her boss as governor, as the last three of her predecessors did.
Lt. Gov. Mazie Hirono announced yesterday that she would run for Honolulu mayor rather than governor. "It has nothing to do with my believing or feeling that I could not win for governor," she said.
That political dynasty officially ended yesterday when Hirono gathered about 45 supporters at the Plaza Club in downtown Honolulu to announce she changed course after looking at both races and receiving encouragement to run for mayor.
Her decision to abandon the gubernatorial race gives Honolulu Mayor Jeremy Harris a better chance to win the Democratic primary and stockpile some of his resources for what is expected to be a tough general election battle against Republican Linda Lingle.
Hirono dismissed questions suggesting she got out of the crowded governor's race to run in a campaign she had a better chance of winning.
"It has nothing to do with my believing or feeling that I could not win for governor," she said.
Hirono, an attorney who served in the Legislature from 1980 to 1994, offered few specifics about the issues she planned to emphasize as a candidate.
"People are concerned about the economy, their jobs, safety" after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, she said, explaining that she believed city government was in a powerful position to improve the quality of people's lives.
Hirono said that she made the decision on her own and not because the Democratic Party urged her to get out of the race.
Harris is planning to resign as mayor in July when he files nomination papers for governor. This will prompt a special election in September.
Other prominent Democrats who already have said they are running for mayor are City Councilman Duke Bainum, former City Councilman Mufi Hannemann and former city prosecutor and state public safety director Keith Kaneshiro. Former Mayor Frank Fasi, a longtime Democrat who ran as a Republican for governor in 1998, has also committed to the race.
Micah Kane, executive director of the Hawai'i Republican Party, said Hirono's switch doesn't change their party's mission for 2002.
"There's a lot of uncertainty in the Democratic Party right now. Our strategy will not change, to bring balance to Hawai'i's political landscape," he said.
Kane said the move says something else about the opposition.
"It just goes to show that they manipulate their candidate for political pawns, and you almost feel sad for their candidates," he said.
Harris acknowledged that Hirono was his major opponent until yesterday. On the Democratic side, the only other declared candidate is state Rep. Ed Case of Manoa. Republican businessman and former state lawmaker D.G. "Andy" Anderson is flirting with the idea of running as a Democrat but hasn't officially announced his candidacy.
"I think it will make the primary an easier contest, but my philosophy is still the same to run as hard as you possible can in every election," Harris said. "The race, I think, will be less difficult to win. The fewer resources that have to get expended during the primary, the more will be available for the general election."
Both Harris and Case suggested that Hirono's supporters will go to them. Case acknowledged that he and Hirono differ on their approach to the public worker unions — she has courted them; he has alienated them. But he said they agree on many other issues that would make him attractive to her supporters.
"She's a believer in good government, campaign finance, ethics reform," he said.
Anderson's committee issued a statement greeting the news with mixed emotions.
"That we have lost the only woman candidate for the Democratic race is surely a setback for our party," the statement said. But it also said: "We would be hypocrites if we did not admit to speculating about how her decision might help our candidate's chances, although that is anybody's guess at this time."
U.S. Sen. Dan Inouye, who wields enormous influence in the Democratic Party, wished Hirono well in her race and praised her for making a tough decision.
"Her decision is a courageous one, and once again demonstrates her political philosophy that the greater good of the people is more important than personal gain and self-pride," he said in a statement released by his office.
Hirono said she is returning some of the nearly $500,000 in campaign contributions she has raised for her gubernatorial run. Because the individual donation limit for mayor is $4,000 and for governor is $6,000, she has to return the difference to contributors.
Hirono's new opponents generally welcomed her to the race although some suggested that she was encouraged to avoid a better primary battle by other Democrats.
Fasi said he was surprised and somewhat disappointed by Hirono's switch "in that she allowed herself to be pushed out of a race where she had the opportunity to become governor."
Because it is a winner-take-all special election held in conjunction with the primary election in 2002, the winner needs just one more vote than the others. There is no runoff election.
Hannemann said he was "taken a little bit by surprise" that Hirono would drop out of the governor's race after years of planning and months of campaigning.
Hannemann said his campaign remains focused on the mayor's office.
"We believe that no matter who runs, we are in a very strong position," Hannemann said. "The polls are strong, the fund-raising is going very well, support continues to grow."
Kaneshiro said Hirono's entry into the mayor's race doesn't change his strategy.
"There's a need for new ideas and people who are not professional politicians," Kaneshiro said. "I've always felt the more candidates you have in an election, the more choice you have."
Bainum said he welcomes Hirono's entry into the race but still feels good about his own effort.
"She's a pleasant person I enjoyed working with in the Legislature," Bainum said.
But he noted that the shift is good news for Harris. "It certainly clears the way for Jeremy Harris. His job became much easier."
Advertiser Capitol Bureau Chief Kevin Dayton contributed to this report. Reach Robbie Dingeman at rdingeman@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8070.
